Software Designated Engineering Representative (DER)

Software Designated Engineering Representative (DER) 

Location: Seattle, WA (HYBRID) 2-3 days in office 
Job ID: #73299

Pay Range: $80-100 an hour 
6-12 month contract 

Citizenship Requirement:  US Citizen or GC holder
Min years of experience: 10 Years
Degree Requirements: BS Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or related discipline.

 Job Summary
The Designated Engineering Representative (DER) is responsible for supporting aircraft certification activities by providing engineering expertise, regulatory compliance guidance, and technical approvals in accordance with aviation authority requirements. The role involves evaluating aircraft designs, modifications, repairs, and substantiation data to ensure compliance with applicable airworthiness regulations and certification standards.
Key Responsibilities
Certification & Regulatory Compliance
•    Review, approve, and certify engineering data for aircraft systems, structures, interiors, avionics, and modifications as authorized.
•    Ensure compliance with FAA, EASA, DGCA, and other applicable aviation regulations.
•    Interpret and apply regulatory requirements to design, analysis, testing, and certification activities.
•    Support Type Certification (TC), Supplemental Type Certification (STC), and major repair/modification programs.
Engineering Analysis & Validation
•    Conduct technical reviews of design documents, engineering reports, and test results.
•    Evaluate structural analysis, fatigue and damage tolerance assessments, system safety analyses, and compliance reports.
•    Review substantiation documents and verify conformity with certification requirements.
•    Provide engineering recommendations and resolution of airworthiness issues.
Project Support
•    Collaborate with design, stress, systems, manufacturing, quality, and certification teams.
•    Support customer and regulatory authority audits, reviews, and investigations.
•    Participate in certification planning and compliance demonstration activities.
•    Prepare and review certification plans, compliance checklists, and approval documentation.
Technical Leadership
•    Serve as a subject matter expert for certification and regulatory requirements.
•    Mentor engineering teams on certification processes and best practices.
•    Drive continuous improvement in certification methodologies and engineering compliance processes.

Required Qualifications
•    Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or related discipline.
•    Minimum 10-15 years of aerospace engineering experience.
•    Extensive knowledge of aircraft certification processes and airworthiness regulations.
•    Experience with FAA, EASA, or equivalent certification standards.
•    Strong understanding of aircraft structures, systems, avionics, or interiors certification.
•    Experience in aircraft modification, repair, or certification programs.
Preferred Qualifications
•    FAA DER authorization or equivalent certification authority experience.
•    Experience in commercial aircraft, business jets, military aircraft, or rotorcraft programs.
•    Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field.
•    Familiarity with Part 21, Part 23, Part 25, Part 27, Part 29, and Part 33/35 regulations, as applicable.

Technical Skills

•    System safety analysis
•    Regulatory documentation review
•    Root cause analysis and problem solving
•    Engineering report preparation
Soft Skills
•    Strong technical judgment and decision-making
•    Excellent communication and stakeholder management
•    Leadership and mentoring capabilities
•    Attention to detail and regulatory compliance focus
•    Ability to work in cross-functional and global teams
Key Deliverables
•    Regulatory-compliant engineering approvals
•    Certification plans and compliance reports
•    Approval of modifications, repairs, and design changes
•    Timely support to certification programs
•    Resolution of airworthiness and regulatory issues

Benefits provided: 401K, medical, dental, and vision, sick time as applicable to state law

Butler America Aerospace, LLC. is an equal opportunity employer. Butler evaluates applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The Butler America Aerospace, LLC. EEO Policy Statement and “Know Your Rights” Poster is available here: Applicant and Employee Notices.
 
Butler America Aerospace, LLC. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at